Natural history photographer Deb Tappan, a native of Indiana, received concurrent degrees from Indiana University in both Telecommunications and Environmental Studies before eventually calling Tennessee home with husband Paul and dog Utah. Involved with newspaper production for many years, she "retired" from the University of Tennessee where she had served for 15 years. Deb now is dynamically engaged in her other life's passions.
For more than a decade, Deb has hiked in and explored many of our national parklands. Through her photography, she has attempted to "transport" the magnificent topography, life forms, and natural history from wherever she finds them.
"Invariably the uniqueness and beauty of wild lands always manage to move me. I'm awestruck by their diversity of texture and essence. It brings me great joy to be able to share those sights in this way and to, hopefully, nurture the same sense of awe and devotion to their protection and preservation."
Deb's interest in photography was kindled when she was quite young. "It is a gift from my Dad. He was the one who introduced me to photography and black and white printing. Using the furnace room of our house as the darkroom and an old movie projector as an enlarger he showed me the magic of print making and capturing those moments of time."
Deb's photographic skills have continued to evolve. She maintained a wet darkroom (in a closet) initially and now has moved into the digital age. A digital SLR rounds out her equipment. Not foregoing film, she uses a high end film/slide scanner.
In the spring of 2003, Deb launched her site and store which showcase her photographic work. Currently, her photographs hang in residences and offices across the country.
In addition to her photography, Deb is involved with the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other academic pursuits and environmental causes.
"Life isn't static."
Thumbnails are of photos by Deb Tappan - used with permission. Copyright Deborah Siminski Tappan. All rights reserved
Visit Deb Tappan's Website
